Behavioral Health Specialist - Acute Treatment Services

You are a caring, hard working individual who thrives in a team environment and is committed to excellence. You have experience in a medical or office setting and are comfortable interacting with patients, as well as managing administrative responsibilities.

The Dimock Center is a federally qualified community health center that heals and uplifts individuals, families and communities. Our vision is to redefine the model of a healthy community by creating equitable access to comprehensive health care and education. We promote a culture of respect, excellence, equal opportunity, and commitment to our employees and the communities we serve.

Our Behavioral Health Services programs provide residential and outpatient treatment for those struggling with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or substance use disorders. For many individuals, our programs literally save lives.

Acute Treatment Services (ATS) is a 39 bed medically monitored detox unit for alcohol and opioid use disorders located right on campus. Our detox services have served the community for more than 40 years. Our new Dr. Lucy Sewall Center for Acute Treatment Services will increase access to substance use disorder treatment, serving 4,000 men and women annually and create a link to long-term recovery support.

Behavioral Health Specialists are a key component of the interdisciplinary team that provide support services for patients with Substance Use Disorders. The role of the BHS is to monitor clients during the detox process and in early recovery. BHS staff will work closely with nursing to provide evidence-based care to our patients with SUD. BHS’s will perform functions efficiently and thoroughly to assure that the patients are safe during the detox process. BHS staff will assist that the staff are supported during the admission process, day to day clinical activities and discharge. Schedule varies. Days evenings and weekends will be required.

Essential Functions

1. Relates to clients and colleagues in a compassionate, professional, and respectful manner as measured by observed interactions.
2. Assures safety and support to all clients admitted to The Dimock Center.
3. Able to assess, communicate effectively and maintain therapeutic boundaries through setting limits and enforcing structure and rules of the program in a respectful manner.
4. Supports all milieu staff in all aspects of the program including: safety checks, client and room searches, supporting client’s admission and discharge processes.
5. Participates in creating a welcoming and supportive environment for new clients in the program.
6. Recognizes the importance of individual and cultural differences that influence patient behavior and applies this understanding to the care of patients.
7. Participates in the patient admission process; provides explanation of Dimock paperwork and completes all necessary intake documentation.
8. Conduct property search of clients’ belongings on admission and discharge.
9. Observes and reports to Nurses clients who appear sick, agitated or depressed.

10. Uses negotiating skills to minimize and de-escalate potentially dangerous situations.

11. Supervises and supports clients as needed throughout the program day.

12. Assists new clients who enter the program with paperwork, orientation and settling in.

13. Attends to the overall operation and management of the living environment.

14. Ensures that the living space is safe.

15. Facilitates groups about Recovery and Addiction process.

16. Establishes and maintains professional boundaries for clients to ensure client safety.

17. Runs the basic day-to-day functions of the program to ensure that the unit is safe, that the clients receive meals three times a day and assist clients with any special needs.

18. Attends and participates in all staff meetings and attend trainings.

1. Assists sick or disabled clients with personal needs when they are unable to perform these tasks by themselves.

20. Oversees and ensures patients follow all Dimock Policies.

21. Ensures that the program environment is safe and conducive to healing and recovery.

22. Works with program staff to develop and support new programming.

23. Other duties as assigned.

Competencies

1. Exhibits professional demeanor in tone of voice, appearance, and movement.
2. Maintains a high standard of confidentiality and professional boundaries regarding the patients, visitors, and co-workers.
3. Demonstrates serious effort to improve job performance.
4. Projects a positive attitude in professional and personal interactions in the work environment.
5. Uses effective verbal and written communication skills.
6. Collaboration with other disciplines (Nursing, Case Management, Providers, Clinicians), demonstrating respect and courtesy.
7. Maintains professional behavior in stressful situations.

Work Environment

24 Hour Acute Treatment Setting.

Physical Demands

Requires lifting and frequent carrying of up to 20 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

Schedule varies. Days evenings and weekends will be required.

Required Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s Degree in related field is preferred.
2. Significant experience working with those suffering from Substance Use Disorder, or other human services work strongly preferred.

Other Duties

Note this job description is not designed to cover a comprehensive listing of duties that are required of the employee for this job. Duties and responsibilities may change at any time with or without notice.

EEO Statement

The Dimock Center values diversity and its committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.